The RICS Home Survey Level 2, previously known as the RICS HomeBuyer Report (Also known as a LEVEL 2 RICS survey) is a mid-range survey, designed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Suitable for the majority of UK properties, its standardised structure and clear, jargon-free language make it easy for buyers to understand the structural defects that are present.
What is included in the RICS Home Survey Level 2 (HomeBuyer Report)?
The survey includes a detailed inspection of the interior and exterior features of a property and includes associated utilities and some aspects of the grounds. The methods used to investigate the property are non-invasive and are tailored towards conventionally-built properties.
Any concerns found during a RICS Home Survey Level 2 are graded according to their significance and colour-coded using a traffic light system to emphasise critical defects. Your report will also include detailed, professional advice on how you should address any faults, although you will not receive additional comments about features that are deemed to be in satisfactory condition.
When is a RICS Home Survey Level 2 suitable?
A RICS Home Survey Level 2 is ideal if the house or apartment seems to be in generally good condition but may not entirely meet current building regulations. It can also be useful for determining the severity of structural problems such as damp or subsidence. For unusual properties, such as conversions, listed sites or buildings that have undergone – or will undergo – significant alterations, then a comprehensive Building Survey would be more suitable.
Does a RICS HomeBuyer Report include a valuation?
The standard Homebuyer Report does not include a valuation, however, if you require a valuation for insurance reinstatement estimates or another purpose, we can conduct this at the same time for an additional fee.
Case Study: Upminster
Able Surveyors was recently asked to survey a RICS Home Survey Level 2 RICS HomeBuyer Report) on a five-bedroom home in Upminster. Built-in the 1930s, the building had undergone a loft conversion, a two-storey extension and the addition of two conservatories, all estimated to have been carried out in the 1980s. Considering these significant renovations and the age of the building, our survey found the property to be in reasonable condition.
The major concerns included potential structural movement, indicated by vertical cracks in the front of the property, and the solid brick walls, which are susceptible to condensation and damp. There was also some vegetation suspected to be Japanese Knotweed, a problem which can be expensive and difficult to eradicate. You can read more about these issues and the other, less-urgent defects that were found at the property by reading the full RICS Home Survey Level 2.
Unsure if this is the survey for you? Compare the RICS Home Survey Level 2 report with our other RICS-approved surveys, or contact us and one of our friendly team will be happy to discuss your survey options.
Why Choose Us?
- Able Surveyors have built up an excellent reputation for commercial property management services and specialist building surveys for homes and businesses in London and the Home Counties. From our offices in Essex and Central London, we deliver valuable, commercially focused advice and guidance to assist property owners, operators and managers of retail premises, industrial units, educational establishments and other business premises, as well as residential property, to make informed decisions about their asset acquisition, disposal or management.
- We have 25+ years of surveying experience and a seasoned team of RICS Chartered Surveyors to put at your disposal. Our highly competent, motivated surveyors have a wealth of expertise dealing with different types of residential and commercial property in and around London, providing commercial property management services and building surveys for homes and businesses. If you are looking for valuable professional insights to help you get the most from your property investment or building management, you couldn’t be in better hands.
- Able Surveyors are proud to be members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), our esteemed professional body. We comply with the strict RICS code of conduct, rules and regulations and are regularly monitored for quality. That way, we can provide peace of mind to all clients that they will continue to receive the highest standards of service excellence. As experienced construction management professionals in the London area, we are also members of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
- We offer a wealth of professional surveying and building-related services for residential and commercial property clients in Central London, Greater London and Essex. Our extensive service portfolio comprises the full suite of RICS property surveys and valuations as well as in-depth surveys for specific defects or concerns, including detailed damp and subsidence investigations, and snagging reports for new-build property. For commercial landlords and tenants, we can help with Schedules of Condition and Dilapidation Surveys as well as Lease Extension Surveys and more.
CONTACT US
GET IN TOUCH TODAY TO BOOK A SURVEY OR SEEK EXPERT PROPERTY ADVICE
